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An 80-year-old death row inmate, Dominick Occhicone, whose execution was denied a stay by Florida’s appeals court, faces lethal injection on July 28 after 39 years behind bars. Convicted in 1986 for murdering his fiancée’s parents, Occhicone’s attorneys argued his frailty — including wheelchair dependence, insomnia, and substance abuse — made execution inhumane, especially amid a shortage of the d...

Izaiyah Nelson, the electrifying former USF standout, makes his NBA Summer League debut with the Orlando Magic tonight—just minutes from his great-grandma’s home and his basketball roots. Traded from Washington, Nelson’s journey from struggle to All-Conference star was fueled by relentless work ethic and a deep love for his family. He plays every game like it’s his last, channeling that fire into...

Café Ora is set to open this fall in South St. Pete as a vibrant community hub — more than just coffee, it’s a “third space” designed to bring neighbors together. Part of the Looking Glass Initiative, this restored century-old spot will serve locally roasted coffee, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and later beer and wine, while hosting classes, meetings, and events. Founder Meiko Seymour, a commun...

A tragic lightning strike claimed the life of 51-year-old Viktar Kiryk at Fort Myers Beach, while three family members were hospitalized but stable. Authorities are sounding the alarm: if you hear thunder or see lightning, get out of the water immediately. This heartbreaking incident underscores Florida’s deadly summer storms and the urgent need to respect nature’s power — whether you’re local or...

An 80-year-old man, Dominick Occhicone, set to die by lethal injection in Florida on July 28, 2026, is the oldest person ever scheduled for execution in the state. Convicted in 1986 for murdering his ex-girlfriend’s parents, Occhicone now faces mounting legal challenges over his health — including hearing loss, vision problems, heart issues, and kidney failure — which his attorneys argue make the...

An 80-year-old man, Dominick Occhicone, set to die by lethal injection in Florida on July 28, 2026, is the oldest person ever scheduled for execution in the state. Convicted in 1986 for murdering his ex-girlfriend’s parents, Occhicone now faces mounting legal challenges over his health — including hearing loss, vision problems, heart issues, and kidney failure — which his attorneys argue make the...

Saint Leo University is launching a groundbreaking collegiate recovery program this fall, offering sober housing in a dedicated dorm to support students in recovery. Funded by a $1 million gift from local businessman Dewey Mitchell—honoring his son’s memory—the initiative provides a structured, community-driven environment where students must maintain sobriety for six months and work with counselo...

Florida’s python hunt is officially underway—hunters have ten days to track down and remove invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades, with a $25,000 prize pool including a $10,000 grand prize for the most snakes caught. These snakes, which reproduce wildly and prey on native wildlife, have already claimed over 27,000 lives since 2000. Registration and training are still open until July 19, and...

A plane made an emergency landing at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport after a nose gear malfunction, forcing runway closures—no injuries reported, crews on standby, and operations have since resumed as investigators dig into the cause. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-le...

A stolen plate stop turned high-speed chase when Osmiel Duran bolted from deputies—ending in a taser takedown and multiple charges including driving with a revoked license, resisting arrest, and petty theft. With a history of 12 prior DWI convictions, Duran’s night ended fast after a dramatic dash and electric shock. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discoun...

In Odessa, Florida, residents of Starkey Ranch are turning community concern into action to protect sandhill cranes—iconic birds now frequenting sidewalks and streets. After a local science teacher sparked a citizen science project, neighbors for two years tracked crane sightings and roadkill, creating a vital map that convinced the homeowners association to install wildlife crossing signs. These...

Palm Beach International Airport has officially rebranded as President Donald J. Trump International Airport, effective July 9, 2026, after a Florida state bill and naming rights deal approved by Palm Beach County. Digital branding is already live, featuring Trump’s name and gold stars, while physical signage will roll out gradually. The airport code will switch to DJT on August 18, 2026. The $5.5...

A 53-year-old man is facing serious charges after allegedly setting a restaurant on fire using a propane tank—and brandishing two knives when deputies arrived. The blaze erupted around 8:45 AM in the Town N Country area, with surveillance footage reportedly showing him carrying the burning tank inside. Firefighters responded quickly, and deputies had to repeatedly command him to drop the weapons b...

A gas leak shut down southbound lanes of 9th Street East in Bradenton yesterday, forcing traffic reroutes and prompting crews from TECO and local police to respond. The incident, near 7th Avenue East, caused major delays during peak hours and urged drivers to avoid the area—though officials didn’t confirm the cause or exact fix time. Stay alert and heed advisories next time something like this hap...

Pasco County is making waves with four new harm-reduction vending machines stocked with free, anonymous essentials like Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and toiletry kits—already flying off the shelves. Positioned outside key community hubs and running 24/7, this pioneering Florida initiative tackles substance use and mental health needs head-on, with early data hinting at fewer overdose deaths. A bo...

Tampa Bay’s new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson brings rare analytical savvy—and a bold passing philosophy—to fix their chaotic OC carousel. While he’s known for run-heavy tactics, his genius lies in defying convention: after an incomplete pass on 1st down, he passes 82% of the time on 2nd and 10—something data proves maximizes drive success. Coming from Atlanta and steeped in McVay’s playbook,...

A Polk County jury delivered a devastating verdict: Patricia Saintizaire convicted of first-degree murder in the death of her four-year-old adopted son, Bryan Boyer. The case, sparked by Bryan’s sudden collapse after appearing fine at school, revealed horrifying evidence — including videos of abuse and autopsy findings of multiple scars — leading to charges of aggravated child abuse and witness ta...

Health insurance premiums on the Affordable Care Act marketplace could jump 14% for 2027, marking the second straight year of double-digit hikes. Insurers blame rising medical costs, inflation, healthcare labor shortages, and reduced federal subsidies that left risk pools sicker and more expensive to cover. Drug prices and complex claims are driving up costs, and while final numbers may shift, the...

Cyclosporiasis is surging across 17 states, including Florida, with 50 cases reported between May and July — 31 acquired locally. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, cramps, and nausea, and outbreaks typically peak between May and August. Caused by a parasite found in developing countries and spread via contaminated produce like raspberries, cilantro, and leafy greens, it doesn’t spread person-to-pe...

Missing Mom and Infant in Arkansas | Tampa News

A Florida mom’s heart-stopping nightmare: her two-year-old was locked inside a hot car—despite the key fob being in the vehicle—thanks to a glitch in the keyless entry system. After returning from the park, she realized she couldn’t get in, and emergency crews had to break a window to rescue the boy, who was treated for dehydration. This chilling incident exposes a critical flaw in modern car tech...

Plant City’s new weather alert system is revolutionizing athlete safety by detecting lightning up to eight miles away and monitoring heat and wind in real time, giving coaches, players, and parents crucial early warnings to head to shelter before storms strike — turning unpredictable Florida weather into a manageable, safer experience for everyone. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillo...

A Florida woman, Tammy Brown, was arrested after sending chilling text messages threatening to kill someone — including one that specifically mentioned having a gun loaded for the victim. Authorities found the evidence on her phone, leading to charges of making written or electronic threats of violence. She admitted to sending the messages and remains jailed as the legal process moves forward, ser...

Madeira Beach just approved a $150 million six-story Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel in the heart of John’s Pass Village — transforming a parking lot into a vibrant, family-friendly complex with restaurants, shops, and a rooftop pool. Designed to match the village’s fishing charm, the hotel will offer studios to penthouses and include public spaces like a bar, game room, and event areas. A new pa...

Two mischievous cats in Sumter County, Florida, pulled off a daring heist—stealing a boat near Lake Panasoffkee and fleeing into the woods. After a wild chase, deputies tracked them down hiding in a culvert near an elementary school. Now facing grand theft, trespassing, and resisting arrest, the feline fugitives got their comeuppance—and the boat was recovered. A cautionary tale: even the best-lai...